As winter approaches, the concern for Fairfax County's homeless population shifts from overheating and dehydration, to freezing and hypothermia.

On Nov. 7, FACETS hosted a walking tour around Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax,where each stop taught participants about the nonprofit. FACETS offers programs and services at locations in Fairfax County, including Centreville, to those who are homeless.UUCF serves as a hypothermia shelter for two weeks every winter.

The free hypothermia program had 236 participants in 2009. About 100 of those participants signed up for case management. Of those, FACETS has been able to move 18 to permanent housing.

"We wanted to participate in the walk, but also let people learn about FACETS and what's going on in the larger community while doing it," said Amanda Andere, executive director of FACETS. "This church is one of our great partner churches. ... So we thought it was a nice setting out here, just a serene, peaceful setting."

The walk at UUCF was the fourth in the last few weeks. These mini walks all lead up to the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon Program, which provides resources for nonprofits that help the homeless throughout the D.C. area. The walk on the National Mall is scheduled for Nov. 20.

FACETS hoped to draw people already interested in the nonprofit so they could learn about what FACETS has been doing with their time and money, Andere said, but also wanted to draw families interested in a kid-friendly way to make their children aware of FACETS and outreach.

Also attending were some people who have already been helped or are currently being helped by FACETS.

Diane Snyder, who FACETS recently helped to find permanent housing two months after going on the waiting list, joined the walk to support other families who are going through the same situation she and her family were in.

"What I found different about FACETS than some other agencies was that I was treated with dignity and respect. I felt like a human," she said. "I didn't feel like they thought I was just looking for a handout. We're willing to work and doing what we have to do. I didn't just pop out kids to live on welfare. It was just awesome to see how they treated us and continue to treat us."

After the walk, participants volunteered to put together emergency kits and design scarves for homeless people. Other activities included frisbee and yoga provided by Sun & Moon Yoga Studio.

"It's Karma yoga," said Cynthia Maltenfort, who taught the yoga session. "[Yoga] helps all of us. We all get more grounded and are happier. ... And it's for everyone. We want people to know that. No matter what age or abilities, it's for everyone. It's about being aware and being in the moment."

Signs displayed on the walking tour gave facts about homelessness in the county. Here are a few of those facts:

• At any given time, approximately 2,000 people are homeless in Fairfax County.
• Nearly 40 percent of all homeless people in Fairfax County are children under the age of 18.
• Over the past six months, FACETS helped to move 58 people off the waiting list for emergency shelter and into permanent or transitional housing.
• Nineteen percent of all Fairfax County Public School students qualify for free or reduced lunch, meaning their families are unable to adequately meet their needs for basic food.
• While Fairfax County is ranked second nationally for highest median household income, more than 109,000 residents are at risk of experiencing hunger.